Sanibel police offer safety tips for Halloween
Halloween is on Oct. 31, and the Sanibel Police Department is suggesting that families plan their trick or treating from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Police also offered up the following safety tips:
MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN DRESS SAFELY
– Check that costumes are flame-retardant, so little ones are not in danger near burning jack-o-lanterns and other fire hazards.
– Have them wear light-colored clothing that is short enough to prevent tripping, and add reflective tape.
– Try make-up instead of a mask – masks can be hot and uncomfortable and – more importantly – they can obstruct a child’s vision (a dangerous thing when crossing streets and going up/downstairs).
– Put reflective tape on costumes.
– Trick-or-treaters always should be in groups, so they are not a tempting target for real-life goblins. Parents should accompany young children.
– Avoid hard plastic or wood props such as daggers or swords. Substitute with foam rubber which is soft and flexible.
MAKE TRICK-OR-TREATING TROUBLE-FREE
– Make sure older kids trick-or-treat with friends. Map out a safe route so you will know where they will be, and tell them to stop only at familiar homes where the outside lights are on.
– Watch for traffic.
– Trick-or-treat while it is still light out. If it is dark, make sure someone has a flashlight and only pick well-lighted homes.
– Make sure children know not to enter strange houses or a stranger’s vehicle.
TREATS
– Children need to know not to eat their treats until they get home. One way to keep trick-or-treaters from digging in while they are still out is to feed them a meal or a snack beforehand.
– Parents should check all treats at home in a well-lighted place.
– Report any suspicious treat or packaging to the Sanibel Police Department.
– What to eat? Only unopened candies and other treats that are in original wrappers. Do not forget to inspect fruit and homemade goodies for anything suspicious. Try not to let them eat everything all at once, or they will be feeling pretty ghoulish!
For questions, contact the Sanibel Police Department at 239-472-3111.